world's First Nocturnal Zoo, world record in Singapore

December 22, 2025

Singapore--The Night Safari in Singapore, a unique wildlife park allowing visitors to experience animals in their natural, nighttime habitats through tram rides and walking trails, showcasing over 900 nocturnal creatures like tigers, elephants, and pangolins, sets the world record for being the World's First Nocturnal Zoo, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

Photos: Facebook/Mandai Wildlife Reserve

"The world's first nocturnal zoo is the Night Safari in Singapore, a unique wildlife park that opened in 1994, allowing visitors to experience animals in their natural, nighttime habitats through tram rides and walking trails, showcasing over 900 nocturnal creatures like tigers, elephants, and pangolins." (AI Overview)

Key Features:

Groundbreaking Concept: It was the first zoo designed to focus on nocturnal animals, addressing the challenge of exhibiting tropical mammals active after dark.
Unique Experience: Visitors can explore via a guided tram ride or walking trails, seeing animals like Malayan tapirs, lions, and Tasmanian devils under artificial moonlight.
Conservation Focus: The park is involved in breeding programs for endangered species, including the Sunda pangolin.
Location: It's part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, adjacent to the Singapore Zoo, in Mandai, Singapore.
Awards: It's a multiple-award winner for its unique attraction and conservation efforts.

"Night Safari is the world's first nocturnal zoo,located in Mandai, Singapore. One of the country's most popular tourist attractions, it is one of five Mandai Wildlife Reserve parks, including Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, River Wonders, and Rainforest Wild ASIA.

"The concept of a nocturnal park in Singapore was suggested in the 1980s by the former executive chairman of the Singapore Zoo, Ong Swee Law. Constructed at a cost of S$63 million, the Night Safari was officially opened on 26 May 1994 and occupies 35 hectares (86 acres) of secondary rainforest adjacent to the Singapore Zoo and Upper Seletar Reservoir." (Wikipedia)

"The Night Safari currently houses over 900 animals representing over 100 species, of which 41% are threatened species.[1] The Night Safari is managed by Mandai Wildlife Group, and about 1.3 million visitors visit the safari per year. The Night Safari received its 11 millionth visitor on 29 May 2007.

"Unlike traditional nocturnal houses, which reverse the day-night cycle of animals so they will be active by day, the Night Safari is an entire open-air zoo set in a humid tropical forest that is only open at night between 7pm and 12mn. It is divided into six geographical zones, which can be explored either on foot via four walking trails, or by tram." (Wikipedia)

"Mandai Wildlife Group is dedicated to caring for the planet and protecting animals and nature. Conservation education is intrinsic in all interactions with the Group, to inspire action for a healthier world," the official website says.

"Mandai Wildlife Group is the steward of Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a unique wildlife and nature destination in Singapore that is home to world-renowned wildlife parks which connect visitors to the fascinating world of wildlife.

"The Group is driving an exciting rejuvenation plan at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, adjacent to Singapore’s Central Catchment Nature Reserve, that will integrate five wildlife parks with distinctive nature-based experiences, green public spaces and an eco-friendly resort."

"The Night Safari is the world’s first night zoo that allows visitors to observe nocturnal animals in a natural habitat. Designed to be experienced at night, the Night Safari is radically different from the typical zoo and nocturnal house," the nlb.sg says.

"The idea of a night zoo was groundbreaking when it was first conceived as conventional zoos had long struggled to exhibit tropical mammals that were largely nocturnal by nature.1 Rather than an extension of the Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari is actually a separate zoo, which is bigger in size and contains a wider range of animals.

"Since its opening in May 1994, the Night Safari has been highly regarded by the international zoo community. It has also become a leading icon of Singapore tourism, attracting more than 1.1 million visitors yearly."